Anxiety and Depression.

Anxiety and Depression Linked

To Dangerous Risk-Taking In

Young Drivers...

Young drivers who experience anxiety and depression are more likely to take risks on the road, according to a new study by Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Australia.

The results of the study from QUT's Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety Queensland (CARRS-Q), have been published in the international journal "Injury Prevention."

The study of more than 760 young drivers determined anxiety and depression accounted for 8.5 per cent of the risky driving behavior reported by these young adults.

"The association was greater in women than in men, with 9.5 per cent being explained by psychological distress in women compared with 6.7 per cent in men," the researchers noted.

"We already know that psychological distress, such as
anxiety and depression, has been linked to risky behavior
in adolescents including unprotected sex, smoking and higher consumption of alcohol.

The objective of the study was look at whether or not psychological distress could also be linked to risky driving behaviors in young people, such as speeding, not wearing
a seat belt and using a mobile phone while at the wheel.The research could be used to identify young drivers most at risk
of psychological distress and therefore a greater crash risk
on the road through risky driving.

"Young people presenting to medical and mental health professionals could be screened for current psychological distress particularly if they have incurred injury through risky behavior," they said.

"These drivers could be targeted with specific road safety counter-measures and efforts made to improve their mental well-being by monitoring them for signs of depression and anxiety."

Previously, the relationship between novice risky driving behavior and psychological distress had not been clearly identified or quantified."Identifying at risk individuals is vital," they said."Once identified, interventions could be tailored to target particular groups of at-risk drivers and also from a mental health perspective this may result in improved well-being for the adolescent young driver."

Story Source:
Queensland University of Technology.
Journal Reference:
"The psychological distress of the young driver: a brief report" Injury Prevention
2011

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